A thread on X went viral after one person shared the recommendation his mechanical engineer dad gave him about automobile makes and fashions. The actual property agent going by “StripMallGuy” racked up views and requests for his dad’s ideas on extra automobiles, plus feedback each thanking and agreeing with the professional.

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Shopping for a automobile is an costly and daunting job for common individuals, so they have an inclination to flock to any assist they will get. The quick model for these searching for a dependable SUV is to look into Toyota and Lexus, however keep away from Land Rover in any respect prices.

“An extremely gifted mechanical engineer”

StripMallGuy (@realEstateTrent) and his spouse have been contemplating an SUV buy, and he knew simply who to ask for recommendation—his dad. After querying about a number of completely different makes and fashions, the X person determined to share this gold together with his followers.

“My dad’s an extremely gifted mechanical engineer—and he’s at all times been obsessive about learning the reliability of various automobiles,” he wrote in a put up that’s gained over 6.9 million views since June 22.

It wasn’t lengthy earlier than fellow customers began messaging him with requests to ask his father about further manufacturers, and the feedback crammed up with the identical. Some even requested him to write down up a “high 10” model article, however this man shouldn’t be a author. He’s a mechanical engineer, by means of and thru.

“He took on issues that no one had ever solved, and he’d discover options,” StripMallGuy stated in a follow-up put up. “Though I by no means had any concept what these issues had been, I took shut word as to how he’d discover a answer, and I’ve at all times used his technique in the actual property world.”

“He by no means cared about getting cash, and all of the patents he earned are owned by the agency he labored for.”

He additional wrote that the response to his thread had his dad “smiling in amazement.”

Land Rover: Nope

The X person initially requested his dad what he thought of Land Rover SUVs, and the reply was sturdy and to the purpose.

“Land Rover is the worst troublesome automobile cash should purchase,” stated dad.

Think about any of the next manufacturers as a substitute.

Toyota 4Runner: Dad’s favourite possibility

“I’m recommending a barely used Toyota 4Runner with a V6 engine,” he added after trashing the Land Rover. “The brand new 4Runner has an inferior engine (4 cylinder turbo).”

Toyota upgraded its 4Runner engines in 2025, utilizing the V6 from 2002 to 2024. The engine within the 2025 rework is about half the scale however claims to supply a bit extra horsepower. It appears not everyone seems to be satisfied that it’s superior, nevertheless.

Lexus GX: A elaborate Toyota 4Runner

In case his son needed one thing “fancier,” dad pointed to a model broadly thought of to be extra of a luxurious possibility.

“I like to recommend a barely used Lexus GX with a V8 engine,” he stated.

Nevertheless, evidently the mechanical engineer can also be not impressed with the engine improve made by this firm on its GX fashions, remarking that “the brand new Lexus additionally has an inferior engine (V6 turbo).”

Mercedes: Much less dependable, dearer

When StripMallGuy requested about Mercedes, dad warned that it’s not as dependable and is far more costly than his preliminary suggestion.

“Mercedes is troublesome and the maintenance is about 4 occasions dearer,” he wrote.

In one other textual content, he added that “Mercedes is someplace between Audi and Lexus.”

Audi: Breakdown in two years

Worse than Mercedes, particularly on reliability, are Audi SUVs, although there are even poorer choices on the market.

“About Audi, it isn’t as dangerous as a BMW, however far inferior than Lexus,” stated mechanic dad.

By way of how dependable an Audi could be, he remarked that “in contrast with Lexus, there’s a excessive chance {that a} Lexus can have zero failures in 10 years or 100,00 miles, however Audi perhaps 2 years.”

Porsche: Like Audi however extra of a cash gap

Dad’s opinion of Porsche SUVs is even decrease, saying that the reliability is about the identical however will damage you much more within the pockets.

“Porsche is similar to Audi, though repairs price far more.”

Porsche is unquestionably a luxurious model, in order that’s not precisely stunning.

Volvo XC90: Not what Volvo was once

The X person’s dad had extra to say about Volvo fashions, evaluating the XC90 to a number of related automobiles.

“Volvo XC90, is in a decrease league,” he wrote, “it’s a transverse entrance wheel drive engine.”

That is related however appears to be inferior to “Volkswagen Atlas, Chevy Equinox, Nissan Pathfinder and such,” in dad’s opinion.

“This isn’t your grandfather’s undestructible [sic] Volvo 144,” he concluded.

Subaru: The brand new transmission sucks

As for Subaru SUVs, dad feels that they’re not what they was once. Like with different automobiles, the corporate appeared to make a poor selection after they up to date newer fashions with alternate components.

“Subaru was once fairly good, till [a] few years in the past, after they began utilizing the troublesome CVT transmission.”

Certainly, a number of automotive websites function lists of issues reported with the brand new transmission. These together with stalling, fluid leaks, and hesitation upon hitting the accelerator.

Jeep: On the lookout for hassle

Dad’s emotions about Jeep had been merely contained in a single Elvis quote.

“Elvis Presley stated: If you’re searching for troubles, you got here to the appropriate place.”

Shut sufficient.

Electrical automobiles: Getting higher

Within the 12 months 2025, after all individuals had been going to ask about electrical automobiles. Dad is optimistic in regards to the path these choices are going, however listed a few points that stay with them usually.

“Electrical automobiles are getting there,” he stated, including that they “ought to ultimately be extra dependable than IC automobiles.”

Nevertheless, he’s nonetheless involved about “battery life, price, and weight.”

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